Glace Cherry Shortbread

Introduction

If you’re looking for a sweet and simple treat to elevate your baking game, then these Glace Cherry Shortbread cookies are exactly what you need. Buttery, crumbly, and topped with a vibrant glace cherry, they’re a delightful twist on the classic shortbread. These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s an afternoon tea, a holiday celebration, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying. The combination of rich shortbread with the slight tang of the cherry offers a flavor profile that’s both familiar and a little special. And the best part? They’re easy to make and absolutely irresistible. So, let’s dive into this recipe and get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these Glace Cherry Shortbread cookies. Here are just a few:

• Classic with a Twist: Shortbread is already a crowd-pleaser, and the addition of glace cherries adds a pop of color and flavor.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen, making it a hassle-free bake.
• Buttery and Crumbly: The texture of shortbread is divine—crisp yet tender, with a buttery richness that melts in your mouth.
• Quick to Make: No complicated techniques required—just mix, roll, and bake!
• Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute tin or jar for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
• Perfect for Tea Time: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, making them ideal for a relaxing afternoon.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap the glace cherries for other dried fruits or nuts for a different twist on the classic shortbread.
• Appealing for All Ages: These cookies are perfect for both kids and adults alike—everyone will love their sweet simplicity.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies work for any occasion.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 18 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 9g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather these ingredients to make your Glace Cherry Shortbread cookies:

For the Shortbread Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 18 glace cherries (one for each cookie)

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsalted Butter: The star ingredient in shortbread, providing that rich and buttery flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: It ensures the dough is smooth and gives a light sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
• Flour: The foundation for the dough—simple and essential for that crumbly shortbread texture.
• Glace Cherries: These cherries are both pretty and tasty, adding a sweet and slightly tart contrast to the buttery cookie base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Glace Cherry Shortbread is so easy and fun. Just follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important as it creates the soft texture of the cookies.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to use your hands towards the end to bring the dough together.
4. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and depth of flavor.

Shape the Cookies

1. Roll the Dough: Take small amounts of dough (about 1 tablespoon per cookie) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Flatten the Balls: Gently press each dough ball with the back of a fork to flatten them slightly. This will give them that classic shortbread look.
3. Place the Cherries: Gently press one glace cherry into the center of each cookie. You want to make sure the cherry stays in place while baking.

Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges.
2. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Glace Cherry Shortbread cookies are perfect for so many different occasions. Here are some fun ways to serve them:

1. Tea Time: Serve the cookies on a tiered cake stand alongside a pot of your favorite tea for an elegant tea party.
2. Holiday Treats: Pack them up in a festive tin and give them as holiday gifts—your friends and family will love them!
3. Cookie Platters: Add them to a dessert platter with other homemade cookies for a beautiful and diverse offering.
4. Simple Snack: Grab a few cookies for a quick afternoon snack or a sweet bite after dinner.
5. In a Cookie Jar: Fill a cookie jar with these shortbread treats and have them on hand for a quick and easy dessert.
6. On the Go: These cookies are easy to pack up and take with you. Whether you’re heading out the door or on a picnic, they travel well.
7. Pair with Fruit: For a more substantial snack, serve them with a side of fresh berries or apple slices.
8. In Gift Bags: Package a few in clear bags and tie with a ribbon for a cute, homemade gift.
9. Serve with Ice Cream: Crumble these cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy yet indulgent dessert.
10. Breakfast Treats: Why not enjoy one or two with your morning coffee? They make a perfect start to the day.

Additional Tips

These helpful tips will ensure your Glace Cherry Shortbread cookies come out perfect every time:

1. Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined. Overworking it can lead to tough cookies, and we want them light and crumbly!
3. Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform-sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough before rolling it into balls.
4. Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping it into balls.
5. Substitute Flavors: You can add lemon zest, almond extract, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to change up the flavor of these cookies.
6. Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake—every oven is different, and you don’t want to overbake them. They should be golden, not brown.
7. Leave Room to Spread: Leave enough space between the cookies so they can spread out as they bake without touching each other.
8. Let Them Cool: Be patient and let the cookies cool fully before enjoying them—they’ll firm up as they cool, giving them the perfect texture.

Recipe Variations

While the classic version is always a winner, here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chopped Nuts: Incorporate finely chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts into the dough for a crunchy twist.
• Change the Topping: Swap the glace cherries for candied ginger, dried cranberries, or even a chocolate chip for a different look and flavor.
• Add Citrus Zest: A little zest from a lemon or orange will give your shortbread an extra burst of freshness.
• Use Brown Sugar: For a deeper flavor, try using brown sugar instead of powdered sugar in the dough.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
• Mini Shortbread: Roll the dough into smaller balls for bite-sized cookies that are perfect for snacking.
• Spiced Shortbread: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for a citrusy finish.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free while keeping their delicious taste intact.
• Melted Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a decorative and tasty finish.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage will help keep your Glace Cherry Shortbread cookies fresh:

• Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate, store them in the fridge to maintain their texture.
• Freezing: Freeze the dough before baking for up to 3 months. Simply scoop and freeze the dough balls on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Thawing: If frozen, let the baked cookies thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

faq section

Before you dive into making these Glace Cherry Shortbread cookies, here are some answers to common questions that can help ensure your baking experience goes smoothly. Whether you’re wondering about ingredient substitutions or how to store these cookies, this section has you covered.

How do I store these cookies?

• Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Refrigeration: If you’re in a warmer climate, storing the cookies in the fridge will help keep them fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months before baking. Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for longer storage. When ready to bake, place them on a sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

• Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but the taste will still be delicious.

Can I substitute the glace cherries?

• Absolutely! You can use other dried fruits, such as dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins, or even try a different topping like chocolate chips, nuts, or candied ginger.

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Conclusion

These Glace Cherry Shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their buttery, crumbly texture and the bright pop of cherry on top, they’re sure to impress everyone who tries them. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, need a gift idea, or simply want a sweet snack, this recipe will not disappoint.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!